Roasted Zizyphus spinosa seeds - Zizyphus are revered for its key health benefits to promote sleep, calm the nervous system and decrease anxiety. The seeds contain jujuboside B and spinosin compounds that promote non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and interact with our brain pathways, such as our GABA receptors to promote quiet neural activity supporting relaxation, making it a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. (NIH, 2020, Aug 21). The seeds are prized for reducing anxiety by mimicking the effects of neurotransmitters in providing a gentle anxiolytic effect without the grogginess or impairment associated with medications.
Ziziphus Jujube - Da Zao is a priority red date fruit for TCM menopausal formulas to support phytoestrogen, nitic oxide and ACh levels in the brain. The dates exhibit a positive impact on improving sleep quality in menopausal and post-menopausal women. According to NIH studies, they calm the mind, decrease stress, promote peaceful and restorative sleep without the grogginess associated with conventional sedatives. (NIH, JoP, 2017, Mar 20). A great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and iron supporting immune and bone health. Rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids to combat oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidation. High in dietary fiber supporting gut motility.
Poria cocos sclerotium - Fú Ling is a popular adaptogen known to “calm the spirit.” This ancient mushroom has been used for centuries in TCM formulations, classified as a tonic herb with mild sedative, immune modulating and diuretic properties. A 2023 clinical trial study conducted on insomnia sufferers with a mean age of 55 concluded that Poria cocos sclerotium improves the quality of sleep. (NIH, PubMed, 2023, Oct 1). It is often used in modern herbal formulas to alleviate anxiety, tension, stress and insomnia. Poria extracts increase serotonin levels and lower stress-induced sugar cravings. It supports digestive harmony by reducing sluggish digestion, bloating, diarrhea, restrained dampness and edema to normalize metabolic imbalances.
Ligustrum lucidum rhizome - Nu Zhen Zi is a popular TCM adaptogenic yin tonic revered for its anti-aging and vitality properties during menopause and post-menopause to relieve symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, dry eyes, irritability, vaginal dryness and dry skin. The plant’s polysaccharides and glycosides were clinically researched with positive efficacy results having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties; the compound specnuezhenide has been shown to modulate gut microbiota and alleviate liver stress; its oleanolic acid compound properties support age related bone loss and fight osteoporosis; and its bioactive flavonoids and triterpenoids have shown promising antioxidant and antitumor effects in lab (in vitro) studies. (NIH, PubMed, 2026, May 15). (EBSCO CAM Review Board, published 2024-Double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial).
Glycyrrhiza uralensis - Chinese Licorice root is highly valued for its natural healing and harmonizing properties in TCM. Modern research shows anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties due to the glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids compounds responsible for its medicinal effects to detoxify pathogens, clear heat, tonify the pancreas, replenish Qi and harmonize the other herbs in the formula. (NIH, PubMed, 2023, Mar 2).
Tritici Levis seeds - Fu Xiao Mai are widely used to nourish the heart, calm the spirit, stabilize mood swings, relieve restlessness, improve sleep, decrease nightmares and dream disturbed sleep. It is revered among herbal TCM practitioners, as the immature wheat seeds are known to decrease spontaneous day and nighttime sweating associated with Qi or Yin deficiency during perimenopause and menopause transitions. Modern western pharmacologic research studies have identified the active compounds, polysaccharides and flavonoids that help regulate the nervous and endocrine systems. (NIH, PubMed, 2024, June 15).
Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome - Zhi Mu provides significant therapeutic benefits due to its powerful active compounds - Mangiferin, Timosaponins A-III & B-II and Sarsapogenin. Studies reveal that these compounds target systemic inflammation, support blood sugar regulation, balance gut microbiota, offer neuroprotective benefits by reducing oxidative stress, promotes natural cooling properties to reduce fevers, night sweats and irritability driven by menopausal yin deficiency, and rich in antioxidants supporting vitality and skin health. (NIH, PubMed, 2019, June 18). There are several studies of Sarsapogenin actively being researched for its potential therapeutic applications in Alzheimer’s disease (NIH, PubMed, 2020, Apr 4); Timosaponins A-III has several clinical studies supporting the clinical therapeutic benefits for COPD and other lung inflammatory disorders, exhibiting antitussive moistness qualities to ease dry coughs, bronchitis and excess phlegm; and Mangiferin clinically proven to be a powerful antioxidant crossing the blood-retina barrier to protect eye health to combat neural inflammation, according to several global studies. (NIH, PubMed, 2022, Aug 4).
